Raspberry Pi System Software Reference

Raspberry Pi is Linux, but it’s a unique flavor of Linux, specifically for the ARM-based Pi. Raspberry Pi Software Reference guides you through the boot process, including options for tweaking HDMI, memory, and other boot options. You’ll learn the details of run levels and creating new services, and how to use the custom command vcgencmd for doing things like reporting temperature, clock speeds, and voltage. And while there are cross-compilers available for some flavors of Linux, one of the most important things you’ll get from Raspberry Pi Software Reference is how to build your own Raspberry Pi cross-compiler on your Mac OSX, Linux, or Windows computer.

What you’ll learn

• In-depth coverage of boot options on the RPi
• Working with runlevels
• Options for vcgencmd
• Building a cross-compiler for the Raspberry Pi on Mac OSX, Linux, or Windows

Who this book is for

All Raspberry Pi users, especially developers who need to create their own cross-compiler for the Raspberry Pi.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – Preparation
Chapter 2 – Booting ARM Linux
Chapter 3 – Initialization: Working with Runlevels
Chapter 4 – vcgencmd: Reporting Voltages and Temperatures
Chapter 5 – Linux Console
Chapter 6 – Building a Cross-Compiler
Chapter 7 – Cross-Compiling the Kernel

Appendix A: Glossary
Appendix B: Power Standards
Appendix C: Raspbian apt Commands
Appendix D: ARM Compile Options
Appendix E: Mac OS X Tips